Place the breadcrumbs in a bowl and add the milk. Let them sit for a few minutes until softened.
Add the ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until everything is well combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut or slightly larger.
Place them on a plate while you prepare the pan.
Brown the Meatballs
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on several sides. They do not need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
Transfer them to a plate.
Make the Hungarian Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the paprika. Add the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, then return the skillet to medium heat.
Pour in the broth and season with salt and black pepper. Add a small amount of sugar if the tomatoes are particularly acidic.
Simmer
Return the meatballs to the sauce.
Cover and simmer gently for about 20–25 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally, until they are fully cooked and tender.
If using sour cream, stir it into a little of the warm sauce first, then add it back to the skillet. This creates a creamy, rich finish.
How to Serve Hungarian Meatballs
These meatballs are delicious served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or traditional Hungarian dumplings such as nokedli.
A spoonful of sour cream on top adds a cool, creamy contrast to the paprika-rich sauce. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
Tips for the Best Hungarian Meatballs
Use sweet Hungarian paprika for the classic flavor. Avoid cooking paprika over very high heat because it can become bitter.
A combination of pork and beef gives the meatballs a particularly juicy and flavorful texture.
Keep the meat mixture soft and avoid adding excessive breadcrumbs.
Letting the meatballs simmer gently in the sauce allows them to absorb the paprika and tomato flavors while remaining tender.
A Comforting Hungarian Classic
Hungarian Meatballs are a wonderful example of simple home-style cooking. Tender meatballs, sweet paprika, onions, garlic, and a rich tomato sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that is easy enough for a weeknight but comforting enough for a family gathering.
Serve them warm with your favorite Hungarian side dish and plenty of sour cream for a delicious taste of Hungary.
